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Space launch expert to speak at New Mexico State University

Maj. Gen. Nate Lindsay, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, will speak at New Mexico State University on Thursday, Feb. 20, on the topic of launching spacecraft.

sentation, part of the New Mexico State University/General Dynamics Space Systems Distinguished Speakers Program, will begin at 4 p.m. in the Physical Science Laboratory auditorium. The event is open to faculty, students and the general public.

The speakers program is designed to increase New Mexico State's participation in government and civil space programs and to let engineering students learn of opportunities in the field of space systems engineering.

During his military career, Lindsay was responsible for the launch integration of all of the National Reconnaissance Office's satellites, led the initial planning for the Department of Defense's use of the space shuttle and was the commander of the Eastern Space and Missile Center, which is responsible for Cape Canaveral, Patrick Air Force Base and the Eastern Test Range. He was also the director of Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects (SAFSP), where he led the development, launch and orbital operations of numerous classified satellite programs.

Lindsay also served as vice president and program manager for Lockheed Martin and was responsible for the development of the Atlas family of launch vehicles and the application of the Russian designed RD-180 rocket engine.

The retired USAF officer has been the recipient of numerous awards including the National Reconnaissance Office's and NASA's Distinguished Service Medals, the Gerald Thomas White Space Trophy, the AAS Military Space Trophy and the Air Force Association's Bernard Schreiver Award.